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Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Kevin.

Electric Circuit Wiring a 230 Volt Air Conditioner

Application: Electric Circuit for a 230 Air Conditioner.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the available access to the welder circuit and electrical connection box.
Precaution: Identify the welder circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the 230 volt welder cord wiring.

The Circuit Breaker Size for a 230 Volt Air Conditioner

Kevin, according to the specs for the air conditioner the circuit that should be installed would be a 30 amp 230 volt circuit using 10/2 cable with ground. The circuit breaker for this air conditioner circuit should be a 2-pole 30 amp breaker.

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home project.

Electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

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Hi Donald,
There are a variety of sizes of air conditioners available that require 208/230 volts, and the specific circuit breaker and wire size is only determined when the size of the AC is known. Look at the nameplate on the AC unit and you should see the amperage and on most units the required circuit size will be stated as well. It is also a good practice to consult the installation manual for the AC equipment which will give specific information about the minimum electrical circuit requirement and minimum wire size and circuit breaker size.
Dave

I am installing a roof top unit. The electrical data sheet says the power supply is 208\230 volts, 1 phase, 60 hertz, 32 amps. I have 2 #8 hot conductors and a ground for the power supply. Are the 2 wires all that is required, or do I also need a neutral wire?

Hi Mark,
Typically a rooftop HVAC package unit that is 208/230 volt 1 phase does not require a separate neutral wire. Check the nameplate specs for maximum overcurrent size, and circuit breaker size, which will determine the wire size, and the size of the weatherproof NEMA 3R disconnect which is required to be installed at the unit location. Keep in mind that most HVAC units require copper wire conductors, not aluminum wire conductors.
Also keep in mind any electrical codes that may apply to the specific location and installation. Excessive heat has become a factor for determining the type and size of the circuit conductors, especially when encased in exposed conduit.
I hope this helps,
Dave

Hi Jess,
The nameplate information on each air conditioning unit will provide the required volts and amperage, however make sure to see what the LRA lock rotor amps is as well, as this is the amperage needed for each unit when it first starts up. Each air con unit should have its own circuit wiring and circuit protection. One way to do this is the following:
Once the total amperage is determined for all of the air con units a panel of this amperage rating and the six circuits may be installed which is designated for the air con units only. The six circuits sized for each air con unit would be installed from the panel out to each air con unit. Obviously, the power source for the air con panel must have enough extra capacity to handle the additional load of the air con panel.

As always, this electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician who will be sure to make sure the job is done right.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines for Electrical Projects:
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.Find An Electrician
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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